India opener KL Rahul, on Wednesday, said the massive controversy over his remarks on women during a TV show has humbled him as a person.
Both Rahul and Hardik Pandya were provisionally suspended for their sexist comments on women during a popular chat show. Their bans were later revoked but they still face an inquiry. The off-field controversy erupted after Rahul endured a dismal run in the four-Test series in Australia.
“It was a hard time no doubt. I mean, as a player, as a person, everyone has to go through difficult times and it was my time to go through that and, like I said, it gave me time to reflect on my game, on myself. I have always been someone who takes things as it comes.”KL Rahul
India lost the short series 0-2 but Rahul made a successful comeback with scores of 47 and 50. After he was sent back from Australia, Rahul was given the opportunity to regain form in the India A home series against England Lions and he made it count.
Having stayed out of the Indian team for nearly two months, Rahul said the controversy had changed him as a person.
“It has humbled me a little bit and you know, respect the opportunity that I have gotten to play for the country. The dream of every kid is to play for the country and I am no different. Just to value where I am, just to keep making opportunities count and put my head down and keep working on my cricket.”KL Rahul
Rahul said the India A stint under coach Rahul Dravid helped him immensely.
"I got some time off from international cricket, so I could come back to India and reflect on what was not going right for me. Fortunately I got to play some India A games where the pressure is a bit less and where I could focus on my skill and my technique.
"Got to spend a lot of time with Rahul Dravid, working on my game and chatting about cricket. He helped a lot in the five games I played for India A. The time I have spent in the middle has helped. It is nice to be back with the boys and back in blue," he said.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)